George Chapman's and A. T. Murray's translations of "The Iliad" present distinct approaches to conveying Homer's epic. Chapman, writing in the early 17th century, adopts a highly stylized and poetic form, employing Elizabethan English that emphasizes rhythm and rich imagery. His translation often uses archaic language and intricate sentence structures, which can introduce a level of complexity and a sense of grandeur suited to the era’s taste for elaborate verse. For instance, in Book 1, Chapman's rendition of Achilles' wrath is described with phrases like "Infinite sorrows on the Greeks, and many brave souls loos'd," conveying a dramatic and somewhat theatrical tone. Similarly, his depiction of Athena's words to Diomedes in Book 5 is full of poetic flair, charging the narrative with a kind of moral evaluation, calling Ares "inconstant, impious, mad." In contrast, A. T. Murray's translation from the early 20th century is more straightforward and seeks to be faithful to the original text while maintaining clarity for the modern reader. Murray employs a more restrained style in his use of language, aiming for precision and a closer alignment with the Greek original in terms of simplicity and directness. For example, his version of the same scene in Book 1 succinctly states that Achilles' wrath "brought countless woes upon the Achaeans," immediately conveying its catastrophic impact without the ornamental language seen in Chapman's work. Likewise, Murray's take on Athena's encouragement to Diomedes in Book 5 is concise and direct, focusing on the dynamics of support and betrayal with clarity, as Ares is described with plain characterization as a "renegade." Both translations offer unique lenses through which to experience "The Iliad," with Chapman's emphasizing evocative expression and Murray's underscoring faithful representation.
Achilles' baneful wrath resound, O Goddess, that impos'd
Infinite sorrows on the Greeks, and many brave souls loos'd
From breasts heroic; sent them far to that invisible cave
That no light comforts; and their limbs to dogs and vultures gave:
To all which Jove's will gave effect; from whom first strife begun
Betwixt Atrides, king of men, and Thetis' godlike son.
The wrath sing, goddess, of Peleus' son, Achilles, that destructive wrath which brought countless woes upon the Achaeans, and sent forth to Hades many valiant souls of heroes, and made them themselves spoil for dogs and every bird; thus the plan of Zeus came to fulfillment, from the time when first they parted in strife Atreus' son, king of men, and brilliant Achilles.